At WiSER, we are committed to expanding our impact through innovative research, community partnerships, and leadership development in the field of aging. Looking ahead, we aim to:
- Advance Research & Evidence-Based Solutions – We will continue conducting and disseminating high-quality research to address pressing issues in aging, such as cognitive health, social participation, and equitable access to care. In 2024-2025, we presented 18 papers.
- Expand Community Engagement – We plan to strengthen collaborations with local organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers to ensure that our research translates into tangible benefits for older adults. In 2024-2025, we conducted two trainings. We will conduct two more trainings in 2026.
- Grow the Summer Team Impact Project – Building on the success of our 2024 initiative at OSCAR, we aim to expand this model to other communities, providing more opportunities for hands-on research and service-learning experiences. We will build on the network we gained from our research and build an Asian and Asian American Registry in the mid-Atlantic area.
- Advocate for Policy Change – We will work to bridge the gap between research and policy, advocating for evidence-based policies that promote the health, dignity, and inclusion of older adults. In 2024-2025, Li-Mei participated in the advocacy training and met with legislative people on Capitol Hill to seek support for NIH funding and services for older adults.
- Leverage Technology & Innovation – We seek to integrate new technologies, such as virtual reality and digital tools, into our research and training programs to enhance learning and engagement. We are working with Jolly Good Inc. which specializes in health care technology to use virtual reality in dementia care training for care staff and caregivers.
- Secure Sustainable Funding & Partnerships – To ensure long-term impact, we will pursue funding opportunities and collaborations with academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and industry leaders who share our mission. In 2024-2025, we secured approximately $143,000 for research.
Check out the College Annual Impact Report which features our work: https://www.flipsnack.com/masonchhs/2025-impact-report/full-view.html